Lifelines (Draco X Hermione)

Chapter 17 THE COUNTRY MANOR

HERMIONE was struck by the beauty of the grounds, with vivid flowerbeds and butterflies lettering about. Listening to giggles she followed the sound of voices.

Lord Malfoy was the most eligible gentleman in the area. Hermione had grown up with him in a sense and had watched him become a man. With their families' close relations, she had spent a lot of her time in his company. When they were children. Malfoy had now spent the last few years attending Eaton, and Hermione had finalised her own education under the careful instruction of her governess. Anyone would need to be blind to not see that she had become a woman – seemingly overnight. She was glad that she had grown into her large teeth and that her hair had curled with age. If anything, her love for ridding and being outside were the bane in her mother exitance – with her skin several shades darker than what would otherwise be socially acceptable for their time.

Sitting under the shade of a tree, she sketched the landscape in her small notebook. "Somehow, I expected to find you here" she jumped at the sudden sound and sat up straight. Her hair was loose and wild, while she wore her most simple day dress. She had not been expecting company today.

"Draco! But I thought you would not be back for another week?" she smiled, leaping into his arms to give him a hug. She quickly regained herself before stepping back and tucking her hair behind her ears. The little act did not do much to tame her wild hair. It was in that moment that Draco noticed she had not been wearing shoes and smiled back.

Hermione couldn't help but feel struck by how bright his smile was. His eyes were aflame and his cheeks full of colour. He was genuinely happy, watching the girl with interest. There could have been a battle going on around them, and he would not notice.

"My exams finished early, besides I could not miss your birthday could I?" he asked. He had missed her last two birthdays, but she didn't comment on that. Instead, she spotted her mother climbing down from the house. In a quick movement she collected her hair in a ribbon and placed her bonnet back on her head. Book in hand she smiled politely as the elderly Mrs Granger approached them.

"How lovely to see you, please do come in for some tea." As always, her mother was straight to the point about her daughter's wild look and instructed Hermione to go change. With no reluctance she picked out one of her new day dresses and braided her hair into a simple bun with ribbons. Not wanting to take too much time, she walked into the parlour the same time the tea and scones was being brought in. Her mother of course directed the conversation and left little room for Malfoy to have a word in. "You wouldn't know of anyone in want of a wife would you?" her mother's question stopped Hermione in her tracks.

"If she were to attend any London balls, I would be happy to make introductions" she walked in quickly and began pouring the tea.

"Would you like any milk or sugar?" she asked. Draco had a sweet tooth and so requested both. Approaching the cart, he couldn't help but notice the soft scent of roses that followed her movements. She served the cakes and sat down beside Draco. "You have now completed your studies, what are your plans for the future?" Hermione asked, she hadn't even touched her own cake or tea.

"Travelling most certainly. I want to go to Greece to see the ancient cities, and Switzerland to see the mountains" he added. Her eyes lit up at the sound of that, it was unfortunate to be born a woman when the world had so many exciting things to do. "How are your birthday ball celebrations coming along?" he asked, reminding her of a more boring task. She glanced at her mother who was watching her like a hawk.

"We have invited so many people, and cook is very excited" she smiled politely. Finally, her mother stood to attend some business, she leaned back and let out a breath.

"So, tell me again, how are your celebrations coming along?" he laughed leaning back with her. Their heads tilted towards each other.

"You are an idiot" she laughed stepping up to walk towards the doors out into the garden. "Mother will be listening if we stay in there" she whispered. Slipping her pinching shoes off to walk on the soft grass. "But to answer, I had much rather not celebrate my birthday. Why is this one such a big occasion?" she asked.

"Because you are a woman now. Your mother wants you to be married" he replied matter of factly.

"I don't want to be married. Imagine if he is old, and cranky, and drinks too much? I had much rather do a million other things!" she added turning around to look at him.

"What other things?" he smiled; they were wondering down the hill now, further away from the house.

"Travel, see the world. Be with someone I could actually come to love" she answered. "Have you ever been in love?" she asked.

"Yes" the word caught her by surprise. A big grin spread over her lips as she stopped to stare at him for more information. As her best friend, he had to tell her.

"Who is it then?" she pushed. He didn't say anything except slip his hands in his pockets. Standing in front of him she smiled teasingly.
"At least tell me if she is beautiful?" she asked again.

It was his turn to smile, their eyes not breaking as he replied."The most beautiful woman I have ever seen"

"And you know her well then?" The girl asked again.

"Yes, very well" Draco felt courage fuel his decision to take her hand in his and skim the pad of his thump of the back of her hand. "Surely you must know that it is you I speak of" he added.

Hermione didn't know what to say. She instead leaned her head on his chest to hide from the embarrassment. "I would hate to see you with someone you didn't love. So please, tell me. Do you feel the same?" he asked.

Looking up at him again she smiled. "How can anyone be this happy?" she asked quickly.
Hermione stood in shock at the scene in front of her. The whole time, Draco had been kind and caring. There were no snarky comments, and she couldn't feel anything but support for the couple in front of her. It was a storybook romance, that she had grown up wishing for and watching in muggle fairy tales.